A couple of years back Amitabh Bachchan had commented that if there was one film maker who had the potential to carry forward the legacy of Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee, it could be Madhur Bhandarkar. Well, his prophecy has indeed come true with 'Dil Toh Baccha Hai' indeed reminding audience of the cinema of yore where films were made in and around real-life situations.
It is these real-life situations that make 'Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji' a smile through film where audience gets into a feel-good zone for those two hours. Really, right from the time the opening credits start rolling till the last frame comes up on screen, a smile seldom leaves you. And even when it does for those few moments, the dramatic moments are gripping enough to hold your attention.
Characters belong to the kind that one can relate to. Ajay Devgn going through a mid-life crisis and falling for his much junior office colleague could well be the story of many a men folk in their late 30s. Emraan Hashmi's flirt character which tries to hop in from one female to another regardless of their age isn't surprising either. Also, Omi Vaidya's 'till death do us apart' character is the kind of romantic which may be a rarity but still possible.
Even women here are unpretentious and know what they want and are doing. Shazahn as a cute girl in her early 20s behaves like one in her casual avtar. Shraddha knows what she wants from her career and sticks on to that as her first love. Same holds good for Shruti for whom a one night stand is, well, just a one night stand. As for Tisca Chopra, a surprise inclusion in the film and a strong character to boast, she is the kind of ex-beauty queen turned socialite which is hardly a rarity in high society circles.
Any blemishes? Well, there are intermittent moments on both halves where one hopes for some elevation in the proceedings. Also, there is some degree of repetition that comes in the track featuring Omi and Shraddha track, especially when it is crystal clear that Omi is being taken for a ride. However this is pretty much compensated by Ajay-Shazahn track which is the best of the three. Really, you can't help but break into a big smile whenever the two interact. As for Emraan-Shruti track, it is half baked. In fact Emraan-Tisca track is much stronger and leaves a solid impact.
However it is the chemistry between the three men which instantly reminds one of 'Chashme Baddoor'. Whenever the three come together, they convert a scene into a winner. Right from the time they discuss their love lives to their minor conquers to their disappointments and then the final resolve, Ajay, Emraan and Omi get it right, hence ensuring that there could well be a sequel in the offering.
In fact Ajay is loveable as a moony eyed lover and his goofy expressions are laugh worthy at every instance. Emraan is characteristically himself in the first half but excels in the dramatic portions of the second half. Omi is earnest and also gets some good lines for himself but at places is marred by (as stated earlier) repetitive situations.
Shazahn makes the best of the opportunity and is extremely good as the young chirpy girl who is vivacious and energetic. Shraddha is good while playing a character which has strong grey shades. As for Shruti, she is seen in just a cameo and doesn't get much scope except for looking good. Tisca leaves a good impression and shows a different facet of her personality, both in acting as well as looks department.
Visually the film is easy on eyes. Songs compliment the mood of the film with 'Tu Khwab Hai' being the soul of the film as it plays in the background right through the narrative. Sanjay Chhel's dialogues are witty as they compliment the written material (by Madhur Bhandarkar, Anil Pandey and Neeraj Udwani), hence keeping the audience engaged with a definite storyline and light hearted moments.
It is surprising that the film has been given an 'A' certificate though. In fact the film reminds of the times when films like 'Shaukeen', 'Chashme Baddoor', 'Katha', 'Baton Baton Mein', 'Rang Birangi' and many more found acceptance amongst the audience. Overall 'Dil To Bachcha Hai' turns out to be a nice and decent entertainer by Madhur Bhandarkar which can be given a very comfortable watch with the entire family.
Rating: ***1/2
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